& Healing Centre
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Allergies
Allergy is a disorder of the immune system often also referred
to as atopy. Allergic reactions occur to normally harmless environmental
substances known as allergens; these reactions are acquired, predictable, and
rapid. Strictly, allergy is one of four forms of hypersensitivity and is called
type I (or immediate) hypersensitivity. It is characterized by excessive
activation of certain white blood cells called mast cells and basophils by a
type of antibody known as IgE, resulting in an extreme inflammatory response.
Common allergic reactions include eczema, hives, hay fever, asthma, food
allergies, and reactions to the venom of stinging insects such as wasps and
bees.
Mild allergies like hay fever are highly prevalent in the human population and
cause symptoms such as allergic conjunctivitis, itchiness, and runny nose.
Allergies can play a major role in conditions such as asthma. In some people,
severe allergies to environmental or dietary allergens or to medication may
result in life-threatening anaphylactic reactions and potentially death.